Kanu reveals its big plan for 2017 elections

Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat sprints towards the finish line during Iten Marathon sponsored by the party, KCB and Med Hill Hospital. [PHOTO: PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD]

Kanu intends to capture at least five gubernatorial posts as well as other electable seats in the 2017 general election, the party General Secretary Nick Salat has said.

Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat said according to the plan, the seats will hand the party the position of majority leader in Parliament, and strong negotiation with other parties for the formation of a post-election alliance.

Speaking in Iten town after participating in marathon sponsored by the party, Mr Salat said to celebrate 55 years since Kanu was formed, they have organised a massive recruitment exercise to net over three million members ahead of the polls.

There will also be road shows, visiting the needy and sporting activities where the youth will be actively engaged.

“We are confident the party will get five governors from Rift Valley, Western, Coast and Northern Kenya. We also plan to clinch 60 National Assembly seats and over 100 wards across the country,” said Salat.

The party also plans to carry out funds drive and community projects in Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot and Baringo, Bomet and Kericho counties.

MASS RECRUITMENT

Political pundits in the region say the the flurry of activities by the party in the North and South Rift is meant to position itself as an option, if not an equal competitor to URP, which has most elected seats.

However, Salat argues that this a way of expressing their gratitude and solidarity to the electorate who have produced more leaders through the party than any other region.

“Our activities are not limited to areas where leaders were elected on a Kanu ticket. We are trying as much as possible to reach out to people in corner of the country,” said the General Secretary.

He said each county has got unique issues that the party can address or support.

“In Elgeyo Marakwet, the county is known for producing acclaimed world beaters in athletics and we saw it fit to launch a marathon here,” he observed.

Concerning the recruitment exercise, Salat said Kanu will use the youth to popularise the party.

“As a party, we have allowed the youth to take a leading role in the recruitment exercise. In turn, the party will sponsor them for elective posts,” said Salat.

According to Kanu Fresh lobby group Secretary General Isabel Githinji, the party will engage the youth to abstain from alcoholism as a way of fight drug a buse.

“We are encouraging youths to participate in activities,” she added.